NextUp Leadership Summit 2024
NextUp Summit 2025 – More information coming soon
October 8-10, 2025
Gaylord Palms Resort
Kissimmee, FL
Interested in pre-registering? Contact us.
NextUp Leadership Summit is our largest event of the year – a celebration of everything NextUp, our community, and our mission to Advance All Women in Business! With over 1,600 attendees annually, world-class speakers, powerful programming, meaningful opportunities to connect, and frank discussions about what we can all do to meet our own career goals, there’s nothing like Summit.
Join us this year in NextUp’s home city of Chicago for an incredibly unique experience, where you’ll take in everything the Windy City has to offer while connecting with likeminded members of NextUp’s network. Summit is the event of the year, and you won’t want to miss it!
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is an urban sanctuary amid iconic attractions. Enjoy a coveted River North location near Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park, Navy Pier and the Magnificent Mile while you learn, connect, and get inspired by the three days of Summit!<
In-Person
CLOSED
Hosted by
NextUp
Location
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk301 E North Water St.
Chicago, IL 60611
Dates
Monday, September 30, 2024 - Wednesday, October 02, 2024
Registration fees
Early Registration: $2295
June 24 - July 19
Regular Registration: $2495
July 20 - September 5
Late Registration: $2,695
September 6 - Sept. 12
Group Registration (25+): $2095
June 24 - July 19
Regular Registration: $2495
July 20 - September 5
Late Registration: $2,695
September 6 - Sept. 12
Group Registration (25+): $2095
Featured Speakers
Sophie Morgan
Broadcaster, Author, and Disability Advocate
Sophie Morgan
Broadcaster, Author, and Disability Advocate
Sophie Morgan is a broadcaster, author and disability advocate. Sophie was paralysed in a car crash when she was 18 and today is one of the only presenters in the world with a physical disability. She fronts shows including Loose Women1 Living Wild (Channel 4) Crufts and the Paralympics and has been voted as one of the Top 10 most influential people with a disability in the UK. In addition to her broadcast and commercial work she also has a brilliant travel column with Conde Nast Traveller ‘Breaking Barriers’ which showcases the latest developments in accessible travel around the world. As part of this she has been lucky enough to travel to some incredible places including an accessible safari in South Africa recently to the White House to campaign for change1 Scuba Diving in the Maldives and on many more amazing adventures. She is also a disability campaigner recently launching her #RightsOnFlights campaign1 calling for the Government to grant the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) the powers to fine airlines if they fail to look after disabled passengers and make travel accessible for all. The campaign has already made big changes in the right direction.
Rocket Fuel
See Agenda Monday, September 30
4:05 pm - 4:45 pm
4:05 pm - 4:45 pm
Erin Loos Cutraro
Founder and CEO
She Should Run
Erin Loos Cutraro
Founder and CEO
She Should Run
Erin Loos Cutraro is the founder and CEO of She Should Run, the trailblazing nonpartisan nonprofit on a mission to revolutionize the landscape of women in American political leadership by shattering barriers and redefining possibilities for women in elected office. Since its inception, She Should Run has become a beacon of empowerment, offering powerful first steps in civic engagement to hundreds of thousands of women from all walks of life whose formidable leadership potential would go otherwise untapped in conventional political recruitment.
Before joining She Should Run, Erin designed and implemented strategic programs for companies, campaigns, and organizations that traverse the public policy, nonprofit, and financial business arenas. As the political director of the Women’s Campaign Fund, Erin advised female candidates at the national, state, and local levels. Before that, she served at an educational nonprofit and in state government in the Office of Missouri’s Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, whom she helped elect statewide as part of Carnahan’s campaign team in 2004.
Erin began her career as a public school teacher and has a life-long dedication to improving the lives of others through learning. She earned an M.A. in Communication from St. Louis University and B.A. in Education from the University of Missouri.
Erin’s two daughters motivate her to champion the systematic and cultural change needed to see gender equality for women and girls in our lifetime.
Build a Stronger Democracy
See Agenda Tuesday, October 01
9:10 am - 9:40 am
9:10 am - 9:40 am
Tunde Oyeneyin
New York Times Bestselling Author, Peloton Instructor, Nike Athlete
Tunde Oyeneyin
New York Times Bestselling Author, Peloton Instructor, Nike Athlete
“Uncertainty is infinite possibility. When you don’t know what’s next, then anything can then be next. That’s a gift.”
Electric and charismatic – Tunde Oyeneyin (pronounced Toon- day O- U- NANE) has lived an incredible story and transformed tragedy into triumph by realizing her life’s mission is to S.P.E.A.K. (Surrender, Power, Empathy, Authenticity, Knowledge). Tunde invites audiences to unlock what it means to S.P.E.A.K. and lift their voices to be heard. During her in-person or virtual speaking engagements, Tunde commands any room or screen with her unparalleled positive energy allowing the audience to discover a newfound hope to go back into the world ready to “create great change.”
Peloton’s elite cycling and bike boot camp instructor has quickly become known for her empowering and motivational rides that force you to dig deep and open your mind. From addressing human rights and racial injustice to advocating the importance of “Soul Care,” her devoted followers know they are unclipping with a better sense of self every time they strap in.
Tunde’s New York Times best- selling book, Speak , was released in May 2022. Speak is an empowering, inspiring memoir that shows how she transformed grief, setbacks, and flaws into growth, self- confidence, and triumph. Tunde believes that in order to S.P.E.A.K., you must “Surrender, know your Power, lead with Empathy, remain Authentic, and have the Knowledge to back it up.” Speak debuted #1 on Amazon’s List of Movers and Shakers and New Releases on the first day the book was made available for preorder.
A Texas native of Nigerian descent, she began her career as a professional makeup artist and brand educator for some of the most sought-after beauty lines in the world. Tunde developed and harnessed her talents for over 15 years, “gifting people with confidence.” Tunde struggled with her body image and self- esteem throughout her entire childhood and into her adult life until fitness offered her a greater form of self-love.
Eventually, Tunde realized her true calling was to motivate people to join her in becoming the best version of themselves. After starting out as a cycling instructor in Los Angeles, Tunde landed a coveted spot on Peloton’s superstar instructor team. She trains up to 20,000 live riders on any given day through her motivational and unifying classes. “Team Tunde” knows they can always rely on her to show up as her authentic self, ready to inspire.
Tunde launched her Instagram Live Series, SPEAK, which spotlights stories and voices of those who have thrived and shown resilience in the face of adversity. Celebrities such as Venus Williams, Common, Cynthia Erivo, Mel Robins, and Allyson Felix have all joined as featured guests supporting Tunde’s mission. Tunde has since announced her partnerships, as a proud Nike Athlete and the face of Revlon, along with other high- profile brands. She is a leader in Facebook’s “ WeTheCulture ” program elevating black voices and hosted her own Facebook Audio Live Show, “ The Roots ,” featuring guests like Emmanuel Acho, Robin Arzón, and Cat Cora.
Tunde has recently been featured for her powerful work on The TODAY SHOW , Access Live , The New York Times , Vanity Fair , Vogue , SHAPE , O Magazine, and more.
Power Talk: Find Your Voice, Trust Your Gut
See Agenda Wednesday, October 02
9:30 am - 10:00 am
9:30 am - 10:00 am
Hesham Tohamy
President, Feminine Care
Procter & Gamble
Hesham Tohamy
President, Feminine Care
Procter & Gamble
Hesham Tohamy Abd El Hak is president of P&G’s Feminine Care business, serving consumers in nearly 120 countries. He is responsible for a multibillion-dollar portfolio of leading brands across menstrual care and adult incontinence including Always, Always Discreet, Tampax, Naturella and Whisper.
Hesham has had an international career that spans across 4 business units (Fabric & Home Care, Beauty, Baby and Feminine Care) with leadership positions in 5 regions: Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific, China and North America. Recognized as a transformational leader, strategic visionary and game-changing brand builder, Hesham is passionate about winning and transforming businesses and organizations financially, strategically, operationally and culturally to deliver record results and sustained value creation.
Previously, Hesham led the North America Feminine Care business and was the global brand franchise leader for period care brands across 5 regions. He oversaw global value creation strategy, equity, innovation and global social citizenship programs such as Always’ #endperiodpoverty and #likeagirl and the Tampax #timetotampax education campaign. Under his leadership, P&G Feminine Care accelerated growth, expanded market share and disproportionately led category growth across every brand in the portfolio while acquiring and successfully expanding This is L and establishing leadership in the Naturals segment.
Hesham is an advocate for equality and inclusion. He is a driving force and champion externally and internally in pushing for bolder progress and intentional and structural interventions. Outside of work, he pursues his passions, including animal rescue, visual arts and industrial design.
Fem Power! It’s Everyone’s Business
See Agenda Monday, September 30
3:45 pm - 4:05 pm
3:45 pm - 4:05 pm
Pamela Stewart
Chief Customer Officer of Retail, North America Operating Unit
The Coca-Cola Company
Pamela Stewart
Chief Customer Officer of Retail, North America Operating Unit
The Coca-Cola Company
Pamela Stewart has spent over 20 years across the Coca-Cola System in various key executive roles in the areas of sales, operations, franchise, finance, general management, foodservice on premise, and retail business segments. She is the Chief Customer Officer – Retail for the North America Operating Unit of The Coca-Cola Company leading the entire Retail customer organization across physical, digital, and pureplay partners.
Prior to this role, Pamela was the President, West Zone Franchise Operations responsible for over 80M consumers, 600+ retail and foodservice on premise customers, 20+ bottlers, franchise leadership, operations, and all routes to market for the West geography of North America. Before her career at Coca-Cola, she spent several years in finance across the Telecommunications industry.
Pamela currently is on the Board of Directors of Utz snacks brands company; Board member of Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) Executive Board, Girls Inc., and the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Executive Board. She also is a member of the Executive Leadership Council, Black Women on Boards, NextUp, and Leadership Atlanta. Pamela holds her undergraduate and graduate business administration degrees from Georgia State University and Oglethorpe University and her Harvard Business School executive education certification.
Pamela is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the 2024 Savoy Top Corporate Executive; 2024 Top 50 Women Leaders in Consumer Products & Retail; 2022 Phoenix Award bestowed by the Mayor of Atlanta; 2020 Visionary by Consumer Goods Technology; and 2020 Woman of Influence in the Food Industry by Griffin Report.
Be Bright, Be Gentle, Be Bold
See Agenda Monday, September 30
2:05 pm - 2:35 pm
2:05 pm - 2:35 pm
Kent Montgomery
SVP, Industry Relations & Multicultural Development
PepsiCo
Kent Montgomery
SVP, Industry Relations & Multicultural Development
PepsiCo
Kent Montgomery is currently Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Multicultural Development in North America.
Kent leads a cross-functional team in the development and execution of PepsiCo’s strategic roadmap for industry relations inclusive of association and community partnerships across retail and foodservice sectors. Kent and his team partner closely with PepsiCo’s largest business units, including PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA), Frito-Lay North America (FLNA) and Quaker Foods North America (QFNA), as well as the PepsiCo Diversity and Inclusion, Sustainability and PEP Foundation offices to build PepsiCo’s reputation with key customers, associations and events — crucial audiences fueling PepsiCo’s overall growth.
In addition, Kent spearheads critical workstreams dedicated to helping address inequalities for historically excluded people and underserved businesses and communities through multicultural thought-leadership efforts, community impact strategy, and talent development, enabling PepsiCo to drive sustained change and scale faster across its North America businesses, with community and purpose at its core.
Kent joined PepsiCo as a campus hire in August 1990 after graduating from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science degree. He has held several sales, marketing and foodservice leadership positions in several North American markets for PBNA and FLNA. Prior to his current role, he most recently was the VP/GM, PepsiCo Global 7-Eleven Customer Team — the largest C&G chain globally — responsible for over $2.5B in sales across 19 countries. Among many accomplishments, Kent and the PepsiCo 7-Eleven customer team were most recently named supplier of the year in 2020 by 7-Eleven.
Kent continues to be a leader in his community. He has been involved as a board member for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the MS Society, the Los Angeles Urban League, and is a former board member of Dallas Parkland Hospital Foundation. Currently, he serves on the board of the Boy Scouts of America Circle Ten Council. Finally, Kent is an active mentor for multiple new managers and PepsiCo junior executives. Kent and his wife Lisa are the proud parents of Austin (23) and Harrison (18) and reside in Plano, Texas.
Mastermind #7: Leadership for a New World
See Agenda Tuesday, October 01
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Katherine Mollman
Associate Manager, Learning & Development, Digital & Technology
Altria
Katherine Mollman
Associate Manager, Learning & Development, Digital & Technology
Altria
Katherine (Kate) Mollman is an accomplished professional with a strong educational background and extensive experience in the field of Learning & Development. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Wyoming, which she obtained in 2013. Building upon her foundation, she recently completed an M.B.A. in Leadership and Managing Organizational Change from Pepperdine University in 2021.
With a passion for empowering individuals and organizations to thrive in the digital age, Kate currently serves as an Associate Manager in Learning & Development, specializing in digital and technological skillsets within Enterprise Learning & Development at Altria. She has a proven track record of success, having held various roles within Altria, starting as a Sales Manager in 2013 and progressing to become a Senior Specialist in Learning & Development before assuming her current position.
In her current role, Kate plays a pivotal role in equipping the workforce with the necessary skills to navigate the ever-evolving technological landscape. She has been at the forefront of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the organization, spearheading initiatives such as Altria’s first-ever Ideathon and Hackathon in 2023. This event brought together employees from different areas of the company to generate innovative ideas on how to incorporate AI technology into their daily work.
Recognizing the importance of education and training, Kate developed a comprehensive AI learning & development course that covers the fundamentals of AI, including prompting, compliance, and guidance on how and when to use AI. This course was launched prior to the implementation of Altria’s internal Large-Language Model (LLM) platform, providing employees with the necessary knowledge and skills to interact effectively with AI.
In her commitment to continuous improvement, Kate recently collaborated with industry leader IBM to develop role-based AI curriculums. These curriculums enhance Altria employees’ capabilities and knowledge, enabling them to effectively apply their skills to any AI models they encounter. With comprehensive training, practical experience, and a focus on hands-on exercises, real-world examples, and theoretical concepts, employees gain a deep understanding of AI principles and techniques. This equips them to adapt and apply their knowledge to different AI models and scenarios.
With her expertise in digital and technological skillsets, Kate is dedicated to driving organizational success by empowering individuals to embrace and leverage the potential of AI and other emerging technologies.
Mastermind #1: AI for Everyone – CLOSED
See Agenda Tuesday, October 01
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Cherice Williams
Director of Maker's Mark, Advocacy and Private Select
Suntory Global Spirits
Cherice Williams
Director of Maker's Mark, Advocacy and Private Select
Suntory Global Spirits
Cherice Jenelle Williams is an award-winning brand builder, business coach, and nonprofit board executive. With 17+ years of corporate marketing and DEI experience across diverse industries, Cherice asserts that building iconic, culturally relevant brands starts from the inside. She’s built a dynamic career developing diverse marketing talent, and disrupting internal systems to establish centers of excellence embedded in consumer insights and cultural aptitude.
Cherice is currently driving transformational growth at Beam Suntory, as Director of Brand Innovation for the ready-to-drink portfolio and strategic ventures. Based out of Dallas, Texas, Cherice is local servant leader, a nationally-sought speaker featured on stages of D CEO Magazine, Brand Innovators, and Modern Luxury, and a Pinterest mom raising two girl bosses.
Unpacking Leadership Presence
See Agenda Tuesday, October 01
9:40 am - 10:20 am
9:40 am - 10:20 am
Kris Torres
Managing Director
Accenture
Kris Torres
Managing Director
Accenture
Kris Torres is a Managing Director with Accenture, supporting client’s technology roadmaps in the consumer goods, hospitality, and financial services sectors. Kris has additionally held leadership positions at a non-profit, a small consulting company, and a global retailer.
Kris is passionate about building diverse teams with a strong belief that every voice is needed in technology to create systems that best meet the needs of our diverse community. She believes in the amplifying power of legislation in support of advancing belonging. Kris is the Board Chair of Bold Idea, a Dallas-based non-profit that provides STEM education through after school coding clubs. She currently services as the vice-chair for the University of North Texas ITDS Department Advisory Board and is the Accenture Ambassador for NextUp. She has been a member of the She Should Run community since 2020. She regularly speaks at and participates in programs and conversations that are striving to bring more diversity into technology careers.
Kris received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems (MIS) from the University of Texas at Austin and still contributes to the university through active participation in the MIS Steering Committee.
When not at work, you can find Kris working in her garden, reading a book, hiking, or playing with her boys, ages 5 and 9. Her retirement plan is to pass the sommelier exam and spend her time with aging grapes, good friends, and good books.
Build a Stronger Democracy
See Agenda Tuesday, October 01
9:10 am - 9:40 am
9:10 am - 9:40 am
Antoinetta Mosley
Chief Encouragement Officer
I Follow the Leader and Courage Candy Co.
Antoinetta Mosley
Chief Encouragement Officer
I Follow the Leader and Courage Candy Co.
Antoinetta Mosley is a courage curator, keynote speaker, and author on a mission to help individuals and organizations consistently cultivate courage to reach their highest potential. She is the principal leader at I Follow the Leader, a strategic consulting firm she founded in 2016 that specializes in culture-building strategy, initiatives, and education. She also serves as the Chief Encouragement Officer at Courage Candy Co., a sweet new venture helping to develop more courageous change agents.
Antoinetta has collaborated on projects with organizations of all sizes, from small to global nonprofits to Fortune 500 companies. She loves speaking about cultivating courage, celebrating culture, and courage-fueled conversations. Her dedication to her field earned her recognition as one of Engagedly’s Top 100 HR Influencers in both 2023 and 2024.
Antoinetta is the author of “6 Months of Courage Candy: Consistently Cultivate Courage to Reach Your Highest Potential,” a book filled with daily inspirational messages designed to help readers increase their courage consciousness over six months.
Mastermind #4: Sustainable Leadership
See Agenda Tuesday, October 01
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Anthony Kyles
Chief Customer Officer
Campbell Soup Company
Anthony Kyles
Chief Customer Officer
Campbell Soup Company
Anthony Kyles joined the company in 2024 as Chief Customer Officer for the Meals & Beverages division.
Anthony leads U.S. retail sales for the company’s soups, sauces, and beverages business, driving growth across brands including Campbell’s, Chunky, Pacific Foods, V8, Prego, Pace, Swanson, and SpaghettiOs. He reports to the President of the Meals & Beverages division.
Previously, Anthony spent more than 16 years with PepsiCo. Most recently, as Vice President-National Accounts, Frito-Lay, he led a team responsible for warehouse sales and the convenience and gas, dollar, drug, military, and hard discounter channels. Before that, he served as Vice President-Sales Strategy and Execution of Quaker. These experiences enabled him to build cross-functional and divisional experiences in operations, marketing, sales, shopper insights and manufacturing.
Earlier in his career, Anthony worked with IBM/Lexmark International for 12 years in roles including Division Sales Director and General Manager.
Anthony earned his Bachelor of Arts in industrial marketing and finance from Western Michigan University. He is a board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Collin County Business Alliance and the Future Leaders Foundation.
Mastermind #5: Embrace Visibility. Break Barriers.
See Agenda Tuesday, October 01
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Jessica Fan
Principal Creative, Prime Video
Amazon
Jessica Fan
Principal Creative, Prime Video
Amazon
Jessica Fan’s love for media and entertainment was sparked while investing in the field for Goldman Sachs. By 2017, she pivoted to a career at Amazon Studios and later built Prime Video’s first original young adult program in 2019. Now, Jessica runs the Original film program at Freevee, overlooking original content like EXmas starring Leighton Meester, Puppy Love starring Lucy Hale, and Post Malone’s documentary. She also leads film licensing for the business, and led the company to secure a multi-million dollar, seven year deal for Amazon and NBCU.
Bold Women Breaking Boundaries
See Agenda Monday, September 30
2:35 pm - 3:15 pm
2:35 pm - 3:15 pm
3
Days of learning
30+
Sessions
40+
Speakers
1400+
Attendees
Presenting Partners
Premier Sponsors
Sponsors
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